Buying a Home in San Diego: A Step by Step Game Plan

Most buyers start by scrolling listings. I understand why. It is the fun part. But the buyers who end up in the right home, at the right price, without surprises at the closing table, almost always start somewhere else. They start with a plan.

After 21 years helping people buy homes across San Diego County, here is the plan I walk every buyer through, and the why behind each piece.

Start with what you can comfortably afford

Lenders will often approve you for more than you want to spend. A common guideline puts your total mortgage payment at 30% to 40% of your gross income. Underwriting can allow up to 49% in some cases. Just because a lender allows it does not mean it fits your life.

Plan for closing costs too. On the buyer side they usually run around 2% of the purchase price. Down payments range from 0% to 20% or more depending on the loan program.

Know the difference between prequalified, preapproved and fully underwritten

These terms get used interchangeably, and they should not be.

Prequalified: a quick estimate based on what you tell the lender.

Preapproved: the lender has reviewed your credit and some documents.

Fully underwritten: an underwriter has reviewed your file before you write an offer.

In a competitive San Diego market, a fully underwritten buyer looks a lot like a cash buyer to a seller. That can be the difference between winning and losing a home.

The 11 steps from discovery to closing day

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